Moving a Nest

[TehLizardKing]

Hey duck people, I’ve got a wild mallard nesting in my garden. She’s very comfortable with human interaction as she and her flock live at the marina across the way and are regularly fed by people, and she will walk right over my feet if I’m in her way. Problem is I’ve lost two hens (some of my most favourite and expensive, of course) to mr fox in the past few days and all the birds will now be locked up in their runs for safety. However, now foxy is coming into the garden, I don’t like Mrs Mallard’s odds as her nest, which is at the side of our track, is now reasonably exposed as my dad has sprayed back some of the nettles around her actual nest without realising she was even there (good job he wasn’t strimming).

I know foxes need to eat too, but I’ve become very fond of this little lady and I’d like to keep her safe. When my girls nest in places that aren’t conducive to their safety I simply move them inside a coop and they are always happy to continue... what are the chances of me being able to do the same with a biologically wild but very tame mallard? I’d like to move her into a safe rabbit hutch with a bathing pan and food on tap until she‘s done and I can supervise her taking her ducklings to water.

thanks folks

 

[Miss Lydia]

You can try. No idea if it will work any way you can just make a secure space for her where she is at. Do you know how long she’s been sitting?

 

[Crazyducklady7]

Maybe building a secure wooden box with a door and just open it during the day in case she has to eat or drink? Just an idea

 

[TehLizardKing]

thanks folks that’s a good idea. I have a bator if she jumps off but I’d rather not move her if she’ll be too disturbed. Looks like tomorrow is a diy day lol. Anyone had success moving ducks before?

 

[Crazyducklady7]

thanks folks that’s a good idea. I have a bator if she jumps off but I’d rather not move her if she’ll be too disturbed. Looks like tomorrow is a diy day lol. Anyone had success moving ducks before?

I have not. None of my ducks are known to go broody

 

[EverythingDucks]

Moving a Wild Mallard nest is illegal I think... Do you know how long she's been nesting there? Maybe you could try to persuade her to move herself into a hutch or nesting box..

 

[EverythingDucks]

Or maybe you could build something around it? Idk, foxes can get into pretty small spaces

 

[Crazyducklady7]

Moving a Wild Mallard nest is illegal I think... Do you know how long she's been nesting there? Maybe you could try to persuade her to move herself into a hutch or nesting box..

I don’t know if me suggesting building a box to put over her is a good idea. With a door. So she doesn’t have to move. And she can be locked up at night safely

 

[EverythingDucks]

I don’t know if me suggesting building a box to put over her is a good idea. With a door. So she doesn’t have to move. And she can be locked up at night safely

I like that idea. I just worry about the rules about interfering with wild mallards... eh, humans are part of nature too sooo.. As long as you dont touch the nest n stuff

 

[EverythingDucks]

Ok, i just googled it
Search Results
Featured snippet from the web
It is legal to remove a duck nest as long as there are no eggs in it. Allow breeding to occur if the nest is already established. It is a violation of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act to destroy eggs or to disturb a mother duck that has laid eggs without a permit from the US Fish and Wildlife Service.